Centennial Band Christmas Concert, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, Avalon Theatre, 645 Main St., features students from Mesa View Elementary School in “March of the Toys” and “Christmas in the Kitchen” with several local guests, $5, ages 5 and younger free, tickets at Roper Music or from any Centennial Band member.

Put down that tinsel and step away from the gingerbread men. It’s time to take a break and enjoy the musical side of the season at the Colorado Mesa University Holiday Concert featuring concert choirs, symphonies and audience carols.

The concert will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, in Robinson Theatre in the Moss Performing Arts Center, 1231 N. 12th St.

“Audiences will enjoy carols in the lobby with the CMU jazz combo, piano ensemble, woodwind trio and brass ensemble,” according to a news release.

All of the music department choirs — The Chamber Choir, Concert Choir and jazz choir “Vocal Chords” — will perform during the concert. The Women’s Choir will sing “Gift of Love,” a song that was recorded in four-part a cappella by Pat Boone’s daughters, the release said.

The CMU Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra will present a preview of the music from the upcoming theater production of “Pirates of Penzance” as well as Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival.”